The AEC Matador
was an artillery tractor
built by the Associated Equipment Company
for British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War
AEC had already built a 4 x 2 lorry, also known as the Matador (all AEC lorries received 'M' names).
The Matador was distinctive with its flat fronted cab with gently curved roof, wheels at the corners and a flat load carrying area covered by a canvas or tarpaulin tilt. The cab was made from Ash
and clad in steel. It was equipped with a winch (7-ton load in its case) like all artillery tractors. The O853 provided the basis for the 'Dorchester' Armoured Command Vehicle
AEC also produced a larger 'Marshall' 6x6 vehicle (model O854) based on the 4x4 Matador which were generally, if not officially, also called Matador. The O854 also provided the basis for an Armoured Command Vehicle
, the O857.
About 9,000 Matadors were built, some going to the RAF
For the British Army
, it fulfilled a role between the Morris C8 Quad
pulling smaller guns such as the 25 pdr Gun-Howitzer
and the Scammell Pioneer
used for the 7.2 inch howitzer
, and was commonly used for the 5.5 inch Medium Gun
and the QF 3.75 inch AA
gun. It was also found to be a generally useful vehicle and adapted for other roles including carrying a 25 pdr gun on the back.
The RAF used theirs in the flat bed form for load carrying. The 6-wheeler Matador was used as a refuelling tanker
, capable of carrying 2,500 Imperial gallons of fuel and also for towing ashore Short......